Bendix G-15: David Lovett replaces the drum-memory Fred Blonder 2023-10-24 | David Lovett replaces the drum-memory in a vintage Bendix G-15 computer, at the System Source Computer Museum in Cockeysville, Maryland.
Guy R. Neal — Trapping (Primitive Technology Weekend, Cromwell Valley Park) Fred Blonder 2024-10-14 | Primitive Technology Weekend is an annual event at Cromwell Valley Park in Baltimore County, Maryland.Here, Guy R. Neal demonstrates two animal traps constructed entirely of natural materials.His descriptions are somewhat gruesome, but no actual animals are harmed in this demonstration.
Edwards #374 Adaptahorn — From Boron “Reactor Self-Destruct Panel” on NS Savannah Fred Blonder 2024-09-25 | This is the alarm horn from the Boron Dump Panel, located in the emergency diesel generator room behind the bridge of NS Savannah. It is in the ship’s shop on D-Deck. The first time we powered it, it was set at maximum volume, which must have been over 100 decibels. For the second test we set it to minimum volume, and placed it at the far-end of the workbench.The audio on YouTube does not do it justice.
Drum Point Lighthouse — Panorama from Lamphouse Fred Blonder 2024-07-05 | A bright sunny day and NO ventilation.Stifling hot.
Camp Fenby Smelt Fred Blonder 2024-07-01 | Smelting iron-ore at Camp Fenby.The result was two pounds of slag that contained enough iron to be picked up by a magnet, but was not pure enough to be worked.
The Highwayman Fred Blonder 2024-06-25 | Markland Reunion at Greykell’sThe Highwayman by Alfred Noyes, published 1906, performed here by Bruce Blackistone & co., at the Markland Reunion at Greykell’s.
Panorama from Bridge Deck of NS Savannah Fred Blonder 2024-05-23 | Note the John W. Brown blowing off steam.
Mechanical electrical time-switch Fred Blonder 2024-05-20 | I don’t know the details of this. It’s an elaborate time-switch on exhibit at the System Source Computer Museum in Cockeysville, Md. The last time I was there it wasn’t running. There isn’t a proper tag describing it. This was filmed at an open-house, hence all the chatter in the background.I may update this text if I learn more.It would be cool to connect it to something so it can operate lights or ring bells.
NS Savannah Model Fred Blonder 2024-05-02 | Someone donated a model to the Savannah Association.It arrived damaged.
Bailey PM1X Meter driven by Nitinol Wire Fred Blonder 2024-04-03 | The Main Control Panel on Savannah contains 77 pneumatic meters.We wish to animate them as part of the restoration project.One method under consideration is to use Nitinol wire to press against the internal Bourdon Tube.To evaluate this approach I have taken a spare PM1X Meter and inserted a short length of bent Nitinol wire. By applying electricity to it, I hope to cause it to push the meter-needle up.
Pier 13 and FSK Bridge after Collapse Fred Blonder 2024-03-28 | Afternoon of March 27, 2024 from Pier 13 in Baltimore, Maryland.Panoramic view beginning looking southeast towards Francis Scott Key Bridge, with MV Dali still impaled.
Nitinol Test on Bailey Meter Fred Blonder 2024-03-13 | This is a Bailey Pneumatic Meter, type PM1X, Serial #420327. It was manufactured in September of 1960. (The exact date is also recorded, but the handwriting is sloppy.) It is a spare from aboard the NS Savannah. As part of my ongoing project to re-animate the nuclear reactor control-panel aboard Savannah ( youtu.be/2WUPprcIK0I?si=n-GjhZIwomOFeBCu&t=167 ) , I am investigating ways to operate the pneumatic gauges in the panel electrically rather than using the original pneumatic system. This should be easier, cheaper and safer than powering up a 60-year-old pneumatic system and hoping nothing leaks or ruptures. ;-)My first thought was to use low-voltage magnetic servos of the type used by hobbyists in remote-controlled models, but I decided to see if I could instead use a short length of Nitinol wire, so I mounted a section of 1mm Nitinol wire (because I had some handy) to the end of the Bourdon Tube in the meter, and connected it to a 12-Volt automotive battery charger. One clamp is attached to a bare section of the Nitinol wire and the other to one of the brass Bourdon Tubes to act as a ground-return.There are two tests here: The first had the charger set to “Trickle Charge” of 2 Amperes. This resulted in the wire flexing violently and pulling loose, drawing a bright spark, which does not show up well in the the video. Since the charger doesn’t have a lower setting than 2 Amperes, for the second test I attached the clamp to the far end of the Nitinol wire, figuring that the internal resistance of a great length of wire would limit the current to well below 2 Amperes. The result was more satisfying, as the black needle rises in a more controlled manner until the loop at the end of the Nitinol wire uncurls (as you would expect), releasing the end of the tube.This is a successful proof-of-concept, however I need to design a better way to mount the wire, get a more controllable power-source and probably use thinner Nitinol wire, so that it can be bent back by the springiness of the Bourdon Tube and the return-spring of the meter.If you’re till reading at this point, congratulations.
NS Savannah — Polarizing Window Fred Blonder 2024-01-11 | The portholes in the passenger corridor ahead of the main lounge were fitted with polarizing filters. After 65 years of sunlight and weather, they’re badly deteriorated, but still function, sort-of. You can’t really see much through them, but if you could, you’d see the forward deck and cargo-handling area.This must have seemed pretty cool in 1958.These are probably the lowest-priority item for repair or restoration.
NS Savannah — Drive Shaft Fred Blonder 2023-12-14 | Nuclear Ship SavannahDrive shaft between gear-housing and shaft-alley, centering on the thrust-bearing, as seen from the port side.
Baltimore Steam-Gun replica in Elkridge, Maryland Fred Blonder 2023-12-14 | A short walk-around of the Steam-Gun replica built in 1961. No one appears to be maintaining it, so it’s in poor shape.More background at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winans_Steam_GunWikipedia states that this is located in the median; actually, it’s alongside the road. Note that there is no good parking near it.
Jim Williams Closing Watertight Door on NS Savannah Fred Blonder 2023-11-30 | This is one of the watertight doors on NS Savannah. In the event of a hull-breach, the watertight doors could be rapidly closed by remote control from the navigation compartment directly behind the bridge. No doubt you are familiar with this procedure if you have seen the movie “Titanic”. Unfortunately the power system to operate the doors is disabled, and the doors must be manually operated by a hydraulic pump. There are duplicate pumps on each side of the door.The doors are closed whenever the ship is unattended, in case a tugboat plows into her in the middle of the night. The Port of Baltimore is quite busy, so that’s not impossible.
Sæ Hrafn — Last Voyage of 2023 Fred Blonder 2023-11-26 | Our final regular voyage of the season, followed by lowering the mast.
Strasburg Railroad — Engine 90 — Circa 1965 Fred Blonder 2023-11-08 | Filmed in 8mm on a Wittnauer Cine-Twin
Riveting Sæ Ulfr Fred Blonder 2023-10-15 | Sæ Ulfr is owned and operated by Odin’s Warrior Tribe - odinswarriortribe.comBuilt bywww.leetesislandboatworks.com715 Leetes Island Rd, Guilford, Ct 06437(203) 921-8642
CALS Leakin Park, Oct 8, 2023 Fred Blonder 2023-10-08 | For more info about the mini-railroad see: http://calslivesteam.orgThey give free train rides the second Sunday of each month from spring to fall.There’s other cool stuff in Leakin Park as well.
Sæ Ulfr — Delivery Fred Blonder 2023-06-10 | Sæ Ulfr is owned and operated by Odin’s Warrior Tribe - odinswarriortribe.comBuilt bywww.leetesislandboatworks.com715 Leetes Island Rd, Guilford, Ct 06437(203) 921-8642Here’s a video of the construction: youtu.be/zI7F8nDwuvs
N&W 611 — Strasburg RR Fred Blonder 2023-05-21 | Thanks to Jim Williams for recording the first part.
Gong Test — NS Savannah Reactor Control Panel Fred Blonder 2023-04-13 | The left one appears muffled by the loose grey tag in the center.
